Special Education K-12 Certificate Program

Cato School of Education

To be the most effective teachers in the classroom, teachers must be able to successfully teach all students. Specifically, teachers teaching students with learning disabilities and documented special education requirements. All teachers, but especially teachers certified to teach students with special needs must have a deep understanding of their social, emotional and cognitive needs as well as the skills necessary to effectively deliver a curriculum that meets their complex and diverse needs. Teachers must be aware of seminal legislation and policies guiding special education instruction as well as keep abreast of current trends and issues for best practices. Candidates will examine research-based strategies which can be applied in today’s schools. Both the theoretical and practical application of these instructional strategies are examined. This program is developed to align with Standards for the Council for Exceptional Children, North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, and Standards for Graduate Teacher Candidates.       

Queens University of Charlotte’s Cato School of Education is proud to offer a graduate certificate program for Special Education K-12 NCDPI licensure. Complete your license in 10 months or take courses at your own pace.

Admission:

To be considered for admission into the program, an applicant must:

• Submit a completed graduate application
• Submit a copy of a valid, non- provisional, non- expired NC teaching license
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completed Graduate Admission Application
• Official transcripts of all post-secondary course work
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.70 or better on a 4.00 scale on all post-secondary coursework (minimum 2.50 GPA will be considered with official, passing GRE scores of 150 Verbal and 150 Quantitative)
• Written statement describing professional and personal goals for the program
• For current teachers seeking graduate certificate with license option:
  • Two letters of professional recommendation, one from principal
  • Copy of current, non-provisional NC teaching license
• For non-licensure option:
  • Two letters of professional recommendation from direct supervisors

Content Courses

Upon completion of these courses you will meet the educational requirements for North Carolina licensure in Special Education (general curriculum) K-12.

If you have questions about the program or admissions requirements please contact Somer Saunders at 704-337-2580 or saunderss@queens.edu.